The Social Significance of Race

The SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE OF RACE

Racism is a doctrine of superiority  by which one group justifies the dehumanization of others based on their distinctive physical characteristics.

• Is a problem because it is about discriminatory ideas, values and attitudes - interpersonal and social, not scientific.
• Political problem used to mobilize support, demonize opponents and eliminate rivals.

Race and Behavior - to date, no behavioral characteristic is scientifically attributable to one "race".  It all has to do with cultural practices.  High crime rates, alcoholism and drug use among certain groups can be explained by culture rather than biology.  People who are defined by poverty and lack of opportunity tend to abandon traditional paths to success because their way is blocked.

• Scandinavians - "cold"
• Americans - "rude"
• Yanomami Indians - "fierce" - Brazil and Venzuelan Native Rain Forest tribes

I'm sure you can think of other stereotypes of cultures and groups.  Try the sports quiz.

Race and Intelligence - There is no connection between race and intelligence.
What is meant by intelligence?  How do you measure it?  Are IQ tests flawed?  In what way?  Are there different types of intelligence?  How would someone from an outside culture score on an American IQ test?  How is it inherited?  (Polygenics)  IQ Lab

There is a highly controversial book called The Bell Curve that argues that the difference in IQ scores between Americans of African, Asian and European descent is unchangeable because it's determined by genetic factors.
Problems with The Bell Curve:

1. It's information violates statistical rules
2. The authors don't use contradictory studies
3. Use flawed studies that support their theories
4. Reasoning = Genes are inherited independently of one another, so genes for intelligence are not inherited w/genes for skin color.
5. Culture shapes the environment.

Extra Credit:  Research The Bell Curve and the surrounding controversy.   Write a one-page essay describing the controversy.  Cite your sources.

Questions to answer for classwork:

1.  Humans are challenged to find ways to embrace and comprehend the range of biological diversity without succumbing to oversimplification, discrimination, and even bloodshed fueled by superficial differences.  How do anthropological approaches to race contribute to meeting this challenge?

2.  From an evolutionary perspective, why is human biological diversity a key component of our collective identity as a species?

3.  How do you define the concept of intelligence?  Do you think scientists will ever be able to discover the genetic basis of intelligence?